The overall objective of the present proposal is to assess whether medical simulation can enhance the safety and proficiency profile of paramedics performing prehospital endotracheal intubation, and whether feedback from an airway management expert observing the simulation enhances skill retention after 12 and 24 months. Since no validated proficiency assessment tool currently exists to measure the skill of paramedics in airway management, one will be developed and tested. Using this tool, 250 paramedics in central Ohio, will undergo simulation training similar to that required for certification. A baseline assessment of proficiency will be obtained. One group will be randomized to receive simulation training similar to that required for certification, while the other group will receive feedback from an airway management expert linked to the simulation test site via a 2-way audio-video feed. Both groups of paramedics will be reassessed at 12, and 24 months to determine whether skill level was maintained or whether skills deteriorated, and whether expert intervention had any impact on skill retention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
387
Group will receive feedback from an airway management expert while the paramedic review their baseline simulation scenario through recorded video
Group will watch a series of educational videos related to common airway management errors.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Development and validation of an airway management assessment tool
Employing a team of psychometric, human factors, and airway management experts, we propose to make refinements to our assessment tool so that it has objective measurement criteria, takes timing and sequencing of actions into account, provides reproducible scores, has high inter-rater reliability, and can be a valid measure of paramedic airway management proficiency and safety.
Time frame: 3 years
Development of educational interventions to improve skill retention
The paramedics will be reassessed at 12 to determine whether skill level was maintained.
Time frame: 2 years
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